Origin: 1555–65; < L
modestus restrained, decorous, equiv. to
modes- (s. of
*modus, an
s-stem akin to
modus mode 1 , perh. <
*medos, with the vowel of
modus; cf.
moderārī to
moderate, from the same n. stem) +
-tus adj. suffix
Related forms: mod⋅est⋅ly, adverb
Synonyms:
1. retiring, unassuming. 1, 2. unpretentious, unobtrusive. 3. pure, virtuous. Modest, demure, prudish imply conformity to propriety and decorum, and a distaste for anything coarse or loud. Modest implies a becoming shyness, sobriety, and proper behavior: a modest, self-respecting person. Demure implies a bashful, quiet simplicity, staidness, and decorum; but can also indicate an assumed or affected modesty: a demure young chorus girl. Prudish suggests an exaggeratedly self-conscious modesty or propriety in behavior or conversation of one who wishes to be thought of as easily shocked and who often is intolerant: a prudish objection to a harmless remark.
Antonyms:
3. bold, coarse.
[mod-ist] 